Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Fresno State Bulldogs Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 23rd 2024

Preview and Prediction

For approximately three hours on Monday afternoon, the fast-paced world of college football will come to a temporary halt as Northern Illinois (7-5) and Fresno State (6-6) face off in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise, Idaho.

Both teams will be without their starting quarterbacks (and other key players) due to the transfer portal. Additionally, neither school is expected to remain in their current conference beyond July 2026, as Fresno State has already committed to the Pac-12 and there are rumors of Northern Illinois considering a move to the Mountain West.

Adding to the unique circumstances of this game, Fresno State's official head coach will not be leading the team in Boise. Interim coach Tim Skipper, who took over in July when Jeff Tedford had to step down for health reasons, will hand over the reins after the bowl game to new head coach Matt Entz, who was hired on December 4th.

Despite these unusual circumstances, the game still holds a special significance for the players, particularly the seniors who will be playing their final game with their teammates. Northern Illinois, for example, has a record-breaking 30 seniors who will be taking the field on Boise's iconic blue turf for their last game.

Northern Illinois head coach Thomas Hammock acknowledges the changing landscape of college football but is grateful that his team is able to participate in this bowl game and give their seniors one last memorable experience.

The Huskies have already made a lasting memory this season with their 16-14 upset victory over fifth-ranked Notre Dame on September 7th. However, their quarterback in that game, Ethan Hampton, is no longer with the team after entering the transfer portal and committing to Wake Forest, only to decommit when Wake Forest's head coach retired. He has since committed to Illinois.

In Hampton's absence, redshirt freshman Josh Holst will make his second start. In his first start, Holst threw for 210 yards and one touchdown and rushed for 48 yards in a 13-6 loss to MAC rival Toledo.

Fresno State's quarterback, Mikey Keene, led the Mountain West with 2,892 passing yards and a 70.5% completion rate. However, he is one of 14 Bulldogs who have entered the transfer portal and will not be playing in the bowl game.

Despite the challenges and changes faced by Fresno State, interim coach Tim Skipper remains optimistic and proud of his team's resilience.

The Bulldogs have kept their starting quarterback a mystery, listing sophomore Joshua Wood and freshman Jayden Mandal as co-starters on the depth chart. Wood, who has only attempted five passes this season, may have the edge as he has also rushed for 86 yards and five touchdowns in the Wildcat formation.

Northern Illinois head coach Thomas Hammock acknowledges the challenge of facing a team with a new head coach and a potential unknown starting quarterback, but is confident in his team's ability to adapt and adjust on the field.

Overall, this game presents a unique and exciting opportunity for both teams to end their season on a high note and create lasting memories for their players.

PREDICTION

Northern Illinois Huskies

Fresno State Bulldogs